What is the purple looking lettuce?

According to gardening experts, the vibrant purple color in vegetables like lettuce is often caused by anthocyanins, powerful antioxidants that offer health benefits. The term "purple lettuce" actually refers to several varieties of leafy greens, each with a distinct flavor and texture. This guide will help you identify the common types and understand their nutritional value.

Quick Summary

This article explores the different varieties of leafy greens that are often referred to as purple lettuce, such as red leaf lettuce and radicchio. It details their flavors, textures, nutritional benefits, and best culinary uses, alongside guidance on how to choose and store them for maximum freshness.

Key Points

• Variety, not a single type: The term "purple lettuce" usually refers to either red leaf lettuce or radicchio, but other varieties exist with reddish-purple hues.

• Nutrient-dense: Purple lettuces and chicories are rich in antioxidants like anthocyanins, which offer anti-inflammatory and other health benefits.

• Different flavors: Red leaf lettuce is mild and tender, while radicchio is known for its distinct bitterness, which can be mellowed by cooking.

• Store with care: Keep purple lettuce and other delicate greens fresh longer by washing, drying, wrapping in paper towels, and storing in a sealed container in the fridge.

• Versatile in the kitchen: Use red leaf lettuce for fresh salads, and experiment with grilling or braising radicchio to transform its flavor.

• Beyond salads: Large leaves from varieties like red romaine can be used as fresh, crunchy wraps for a low-carb meal.

Common Varieties of Purple Lettuce

While there is no single plant called "purple lettuce," the name is commonly used for a group of leafy greens with purplish-red hues. The most common ones you'll encounter are red leaf lettuce and radicchio, but several other varieties also sport these distinctive colors.

Red Leaf Lettuce

Red leaf lettuce is a type of loose-leaf lettuce, meaning its leaves don't form a compact head like iceberg. Its leaves are typically frilly and have a deep reddish-purple color at the tips, transitioning to green towards the base. It has a tender, mild, and slightly sweet flavor, making it a popular choice for salads. Some popular cultivars include 'Red Sails' and 'Merlot'.

Radicchio

Radicchio, pronounced rah-dee-kee-oh, is a member of the chicory family and is known for its intense, bitter flavor. It forms a compact, rounded head with deep burgundy or red leaves and prominent white veins. Cooking radicchio, such as grilling or braising, can help mellow its bitterness, bringing out a surprising sweetness. The most common variety is the round, cabbage-like 'Chioggia'.

Red Romaine Lettuce

Red romaine is a variant of the classic romaine lettuce, featuring long, crunchy leaves that range from a greenish-red to a deep burgundy. It offers a crisp texture and a flavor similar to its green counterpart, but with a more intense color. This variety is packed with vitamins and is a vibrant addition to any Caesar salad.

Nutritional Benefits of Purple Lettuce and its Cousins

The striking purple color in these vegetables is not just for aesthetics; it's a sign of higher antioxidant content, particularly anthocyanins. These compounds have been studied for their potential health benefits, which can include anti-inflammatory properties and support for heart and brain health.

• Higher Antioxidant Levels: Red and purple lettuces, as well as radicchio, contain higher concentrations of antioxidants like anthocyanins compared to their green counterparts.
• Rich in Vitamins: Many varieties of purple lettuce, including red leaf and romaine, are excellent sources of Vitamin K, Vitamin A, and Vitamin C. Vitamin K is crucial for blood clotting and bone health, while Vitamin A supports vision.
• Support for Overall Health: By consuming a variety of colorful vegetables, you increase your intake of different antioxidants, which helps the body combat cellular damage from free radicals and boosts the immune system.

Comparison: Purple Lettuce vs. Radicchio

Feature	Purple (Red Leaf) Lettuce	Radicchio (Chicory)
Family	Asteraceae (Daisy family)	Asteraceae (Daisy family)
Appearance	Loose-leaf with frilly, reddish-purple tips	Compact, round head with dense, dark red leaves and white veins
Flavor	Mild, sweet, and tender	Pungent and bitter
Texture	Soft and delicate	Crisp and sturdy
Best For	Fresh salads, sandwiches	Grilled or braised dishes, salads for a bitter contrast
Availability	Widely available year-round	Best in cooler months (Oct-Jan), can be found year-round

How to Choose and Store for Maximum Freshness

When selecting purple lettuce, look for vibrant, crisp leaves without any signs of wilting or browning. The color should be rich and uniform, and the leaves should feel firm and fresh.

For best storage, a key is managing moisture. After washing and drying your lettuce thoroughly, wrap the leaves or head in a dry paper towel. Place the wrapped lettuce in a sealed container or zip-top bag and store it in the crisper drawer of your refrigerator. The paper towel will absorb excess moisture, preventing the leaves from becoming slimy and helping them last longer.

Culinary Uses for Purple Lettuce

Both red leaf lettuce and radicchio can add color and flavor to a variety of dishes. Here are some ideas:

• Fresh Salads: Toss torn red leaf lettuce with other greens, vegetables, and a light vinaigrette for a colorful and flavorful salad. Radicchio can be thinly sliced and added to salads for a peppery, bitter note.
• Grilled or Roasted: Cut radicchio heads in half or quarters, drizzle with olive oil, and grill or roast until tender. The heat mellows the bitterness and brings out a hint of sweetness.
• Wraps and Sandwiches: Use large, sturdy leaves from red romaine as a low-carb alternative to bread for wraps. The mild flavor of red leaf lettuce also works well in sandwiches.
• Sautéed: Lightly sautéed purple leafy greens can make a quick and healthy side dish.

Conclusion

What is the purple looking lettuce? It's a flavorful and nutritious group of greens, primarily red leaf lettuce and radicchio, that add color and antioxidants to your diet. From tender and mild salads to intensely flavored grilled side dishes, these versatile vegetables can elevate any meal. By understanding the different varieties and how to properly care for them, you can enjoy their unique tastes and health benefits for days after your purchase. So next time you see that beautiful purple lettuce at the market, you'll know exactly what it is and how to make the most of it.

References

• : Fafard, Inc. - Purple Vegetables for Color and Nutrition
• : Gardening Know How - Purple Leafy Greens To Add Color To Your Garden
• : Simply Recipes - What Is Radicchio and How Do I Use It?
• : USA Today - Healthiest lettuce? How to decide between your leafy greens.
• : Kalejunkie - How to Keep Lettuce Fresh for Two+ Weeks

Frequently Asked Questions

What gives purple lettuce its color?

The purple or red color in lettuce and other vegetables is due to compounds called anthocyanins, which are powerful antioxidants. The more intense the color, the higher the anthocyanin content.

Is purple lettuce more nutritious than green lettuce?

While both are healthy, red and purple lettuces often contain more anthocyanin antioxidants than their green counterparts, which combat free radicals. However, the overall nutritional profile, including vitamins like A and K, is comparable and depends on the specific variety.

Does radicchio taste like lettuce?

No, radicchio has a distinctively different flavor. It is part of the chicory family and has an assertive, bitter taste, whereas most varieties of purple (red leaf) lettuce are mild and sweet.

How do you cook with radicchio to reduce its bitterness?

To mellow radicchio's bitterness, try cooking it. Grilling, roasting, or sautéing with a little olive oil can bring out its natural sweetness and create a more complex flavor profile.

What is the best way to store purple lettuce?

For optimal freshness, wash and thoroughly dry the leaves. Wrap them in a paper towel to absorb excess moisture, then place in a sealed container or plastic bag in the refrigerator's crisper drawer.

How can you tell if purple lettuce is fresh?

Look for crisp, vibrant leaves without any wilting, brown spots, or sliminess. Fresh leaves will have a firm, lively appearance and a rich, consistent color.

Can purple lettuce be used in wraps?

Yes, especially varieties with larger, sturdier leaves like red romaine. Their crisp texture and mild flavor make them an excellent low-carb and colorful alternative for wraps.

What's the difference between purple lettuce and purple cabbage?

Purple lettuce (red leaf) has tender, thin leaves and a mild flavor, whereas purple cabbage has thicker, tougher leaves with a more robust, sometimes peppery flavor. They belong to different plant families, with cabbage being a cruciferous vegetable.